Present: Ken, Jasmine, Bob J, Bob S, Eduardo, Joan, Fred, Lynne, Nona, Norm
Meeting opened at 7:08 PM. Planning and publicity assignments were made for the SAT Feb11 King-Brandow concert, Songs of Peace and Justice, at UUCSF. Suggested donation $10, with a possibility of chapter monetary return. VFP to have table. Ken will publicize at meetings of the extended Occupy coalition on Monday, Jan 23 and at the We Are People Here conclave on TUE Jan 24.
Ken said he plans to attend the national Occupy Movement’s major demonstration in Washington DC that start on FRI Mar 30. He said that VFP is organizing Veteran Peace Teams (open to all vets, not just VFP members) to go to civil resistance events and act as buffers between demonstrators and police. Team Members will receive several days of intensive non-violence training. One such event may be the Chicago conferences of NATO and the G-8 Nations in May.
Discussion ensued re proposed SUN Mar 4 presentation of the David Smith-Ferri program on the work in Afghanistan of Voices for Creative Non-Violence. Ken will seek info on whether VFP expected to provide dollar support and if audience Q&A included. Nona is checking with Pax Cristi and Bob S will confer with the UUCSF Social Justice Team.
SOAW expects to send information next week on opportunities for chapter participation in the Feb 12-19 activities in El Paso/Juarez, sponsored by School of Americas Watch and Border Conference for Human Rights. Aim is to experience realities on both sides of the border.
Ken urged chapter members to contact their city councilors for their agreement to introduce or support the chapter-backed city resolution calling for bringing our war dollars home. (For the text of the resolution, go to http://www.vfp-santafe.org/hotitems.html) Jasmine said she talked with Chris Calvert and will see Patti Bushee. Bob S will contact Erik Mason about meeting with Rosemary Romero. Each councillor should be asked about willingness to introduce the resolution.
Mention was made of upcoming Friends exhibit, Reflections on the War in Afghanistan, scheduled for April in SF in collaboration with the ABQ Peace and Justice Center. Bob G is the VFP point person for this event. Also mentioned was the national conference in ABQ of Friends of Sabeel, set for Sept and co-sponsored by VFPSF. We have sent a check for $100 and will inquire as to any other co-sponsorship responsibilities.
Rafael Benjamin, one of the organizers of SF’s Veterans Helping Homeless Veterans will be invited to attend the next chapter meeting to describe the project processes.
Ken requested chapter approval for buying a new VFP banner at an estimated $150-200. The consensus of the meeting was to go ahead. Meeting was adjourned at 8:07 pm. Notes by Bob Stearns
MINUTES, VFP MEETING, DECEMBER 21, 2011
1. Barbara Conroy initiated a discussion of several programs for helping veterans and surviving spouses, including The October "Stand Down for Homeless Veterans fair athe the Santa Fe University of Art and Design" (The New Mexican - October 30, 2011) VA Study of link between genes and health (Albuquerque Journal - November 7, 2011 VA Aid and Attendance: A Benefit for Wartime Veterans or Their Surviving Spouse --information provided by Edward Massey - 505-946-8468 New Mexico Veterans Helping Homeless Veterans Most of the discussion focused on New Mexico Veterans Helping Homeless Veterans. The brochure for the program features a picture of Ray Masterson and his dog Yukon, but Ray himself believes that the program is not structured and administered in a way that ensures all funds collected for the program will actually be used to benefit veterans. One of the founding committee members is Raphiel Benjamin, a good friend of Joan Duffy's. The chapter agreed that it would be a good idea to invite Raph to a future chapter meeting to inform us on the subject.
2. The meeting voted unanimously to buy an advertisement in this year's National Dance Institute program book as has been done for the last several years.
3. A contract has been signed and sent to Charlie King for the February 11, 2012 event co-sponsored by the Social Justice committee of the UU congregation. The event will be at 8pm with a suggested donation of $10. It will be followed by a reception for the performers with an additional donation suggested of $5. The Central Labor Council is expected to support the event with publicity to their membership.
4. There was discussion of possible participation in a School of Americas Watch delegation to the US/Mexico border in El Paso/Ciudad Juarez from February 12-19, 2012 to experience the realities of both sides of the border , and to understand the border itself. Ken was charged with contacting Lisa Sullivan at SOAW for more details.
5. There was discussion of a proposal from David Smith-Ferri for a presentation on Voices for Creative Nonviolence' work in Afghanistan to be given in early March. It was agreed that the details of the proposal sound quite promising and we would like to proceed if we can gather support from the rest of the local peace and justice community. The detailed proposal will be sent to these lists in a separate e-mail and "the usual suspects" will be contacted to see if there is broad support. The Forum at the Santa Fe University of Art and Design was discussed as a possible appropriate venue.
Respectfully submitted,
Ken Mayers, Acting Recording Secretary
MINUTES, VFP MEETING, OCTOBER 19, 2011
Present: Bob J, Nona, Barbara, Marjorie, Joan, Fred, Ron, Bob S, Norm, Guests: Frances Salles and Frank Manning
Bob J opened meeting at 7:05 pm, with introduction of Ms. Salles, resource development director of the nonprofit Creativity For Peace. She said CFP recruits and develops young women leaders, both Muslim and Israeli, to help bring an end to ethnic violence in the Middle East. CFP holds a summer encampment near Santa Fe (from 7/19 to 8/10 next year) at which girls from both groups live together and get to know one another’s backgrounds. Since 2003, 178 girls have participated. CFP supports the peacemaking activities of the graduates when they return home. Bob J asked if any participants came from Gaza, and Frances said “No.” Nona said that Pax Cristi has provided food and volunteers for the encampment. Frank said the Albuquerque VFP has voted its support to CFP and that he plans to ask VFP national to do so also. Bob S moved that our chapter vote its support as well, Joan seconded, and the motion passed. Bob J said he was the sole veteran to attend the city planning meeting for the 11/11 Armistice Day parade. He urged chapter members to take part, and also in a memorial service afterward at Joan Duffy’s grave (more info on this will be provided). Further info is also needed about possible other Armistice Day events at the Railyard. Barbara reported on a Santa Fe first, the Veterans Stand-Down on Sat 10/29 at the SF University of Art and Design (formerly College of SF), 8-3 pm, sponsored by the state Workforce Solutions Department and area churches. The estimated 700 homeless vets in northern NM will be offered hot meal, clothing, and introductory health screening and behavior counseling. Officials from state government and VA will assist with filing for vet benefits. Potential sponsors and donors should contact Phillip Chavez at 827-7412. Barbara proposed and members agreed to staff a VFP table at the Stand-Down: Ron 8-3; Bob J 9-11; Nona, 11-12; Joan 12 to 3; Bob S 1-3. Other VFP members are also urged to take part. Barbara said that the 2011 VA-HIS Veterans Symposium is set for Fri 11/4 at the Hard Rock hotel Casino, Albuquerque. Theme is “Veteran toVeteran, Honoring Their Service; Providing Them Services.” {Note: Omitted from 9/21 minutes was her mention of the conference next March of the NM Counseling Association on “Power Dynamics In Relationships.” She asked for ideas for vet issues and suggested a possible chapter honorarium for qualified presenters. Topics mentioned by members were PTSD, violence against servicewomen, equity in counseling services. She will be soliciting proposals over the next 3 weeks.] Ron reported on the ongoing plans by the Occupy Santa Fe committee for a rally, march and actions on Sat 10/22, beginning 9 am at the Railyard. He said leadership is diverse, well-versed from participation in similar events elsewhere, and alert to avoidance of violence and challenge to authority. Norm moved that our chapter support Occupy Santa Fe, Nona seconded, and the motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm Notes by Bob Stearns
VFP Chapter Minutes September 21, 2011
Present: Ken Mayers, Daniel Craig, Anna May Daly, Nona Lee Gregg, Barbara Conway, Erica Kay, Jasmine Stewart, Bob Stearns, Norm Budow, and Eduardo Krasilovsky
Ken opened meeting at 7:40 pm, with discussion of proposed City Council resolution calling on Congress To Bring Our War Dollars Home. He urged members to seek advance support pledges by personally contacting their City Councilors, face-to-face if possible. Mayor Coss has indicated support but should also be contacted. Barbara suggested reinforcing this general alert to members by including it in the chapter’s dues telethon set for Nov. 16 at Ken’s residence. For supporting info, link to the New Priorities Campaign at newprioritiesnetwork.org. It was agreed that after the Veterans Day parade, a chapter members will conduct a brief ceremony at Joan Duffy’s grave at the National Cemetery. All chapter members and the public will be invited. We will meet it the Cemetery admin building at 2:00pm and walk to the gravesite. We hope to distribute maps to the gravesite ahead of time for those who may be unable to meet at 2:00pm. Ken also alerted members to the Occupation of Freedom Plaza in Washington DC that begins on October 6, sponsored bty VFP/USA and other national organizations. At each day’s assembly, action will be planned elsewhere in DC calling for a quick end to our military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, or for other progressive causes. More than 5,000 have already pledged to be there, including Ken. Erica proposed offering a chapter scholarship to another member who also will go. Info available at www.october2011.org Bob Stearns noted that The New Mexican continues to run regular detailed reports on US soldier casualties in our two wars. Coverage began after Bob Gaines and Bob Stearns delivered a letter of request to the newspapers, signed by VFP members and others. The Journal has not followed suit. Ken said that Bob Gaines is our contact person for the April 2012 exhibit in Albuquerque and SF sponsored by the AFSC and titled Windows and Mirrors; Reflections on the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Ken noted that the chapter has committed $100 in co-sponsorship of the September 2012 national conference in Albuquerque of Friends of Sabeel, the church-based Justice-for-Palestine organization. He proposed that the chapter again invite the peace and justice community on December 10 to a holiday event and potluck featuring the film on the Christmas truce held between the front lines early in WW I -- and forbidden from then on. Ken noted that the newly formed NM Veterans Helping Homeless Veterans will kick off its fund-raising campaign on Wed October 12 at the Owings Gallery on E. Marcy St. next to the Main Public Library. The group’s brochure was passed around.
Meeting ended at 8:45 pm. Notes by Bob Stearns
VFP Chapter Minutes July 20, 2011 Present: Ken Mayers, Dean Williams, Ron Kent, Judy Wright, Nona Lee Gregg, Barbara Conroy, Joan Kennedy, Fred, Bob Stearns
Meeting opened at 7:10 pm. Using laptop video, Ken presented a preview of his coming presentations on the Gaza Flotilla effort in Athens – to be held at JourneySF on Sun 7/24 and at UUCSF on TUE 7/26. Topics included: difficulty at times in getting consensus from what was an international coalition, training in non-violence tactics in case of aggressive interference, the turn back by Greek coast guard of the American ship Audacity of Hope (named after Obama’s memoir), hunger strike at US Embassy supported by turnout of 600 Athenians, simultaneous occupation by Spanish activists of their embassy in Athens. Ken said that meetings with the US consul were fruitless, that the embassy took 4-5 days before interceding for the American ship captain after his arrest by Greek authorities, that US Secy of State Hillary Clinton publicly supported Greece’s refusal to let the flotilla sail. Col. Ann Wright, a leading participant, finally returned home today. The Gaza flotilla initiative will also be featured at the VFW national convention in Portland, Oregon next month. Activist Kathy Kelly will speak. Also an action event will be scheduled for Hiroshima Day, and a proposal considered for a VFP protest against Obama’s military action in Libya, undertaken without Congressional approval. Nona said that Pax Christi’s annual Hiroshima Commemoration will be held at El Museo Cultural in SF on July 29 and the annual sack cloth and ashes event at Los Alamos July 30. Plans for another dues telethon were discusssed to coincide with the national VFP effort. Our Chapter secured 10-12 renewals in its February push. Also mentioned were: collaboration with the Albuquerque Peace Center on presenting in April 2012 the windows-and-mirrors exhibit, Reflections on the War in Afghanistan (Chapter contact is Bob Gaines); and a possible Chapter donation and co-sponsorship of the Friends of Sabeel national conference set for Sept 2012 in Albuquerque by Justice for Palestine groups. Suggested for Chapter consideration was possible opposition to the new Bingaman/Udall proposal to establish a new National Park that would include WW II nuclear-bomb making facilities in New Mexico and elsewhere. Also discussed were plans for an end-of-summer Chapter picnic, tentatively set for SUN Aug 21 at 5:30 pm, location to be announced.
Meeting ended at 8:20 pm. Notes by Bob Stearns
VFP Chapter Minutes June 15, 2011
Present: Ken, Daniel, Nona, Norm, Joan, Ron, Lynn, Barbara, Bob G, Bob S Meeting opened at 7:13 pm. Ken said he leaves Saturday for the Gaza Flotilla trip, setting sail from Athens on June 24, with 11 boats representing 22 nations, including Canada. His 100-foot former ferry, The Audacity of Hope, has 34 passengers, including Linda Durham, Ann Wright, Ray McGovern, and Alice Walker. Expects to reach Gaza in 36-72 hours, if no Israeli obstruction. US Boat to Gaza organizing committee will provide ongoing info at ustogaza.org. Ken urged chapter members to take action for public protest, media involvement, and pressure on the US and Israel governments. Ken also recommended sending letters to Gaza by contacting ustogaza.org. Bob S suggested that Gaza sign wavers join the main intersection peace demonstration at noon on sailing day June 24 and on later Fridays. Ken plans return on July 8 if all goes well. Chapter action was proposed in support of the People’s Budget, which calls for end to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and deep cutbacks in Pentagon spending, and also chapter action for bringing a peace resolution before the City Council. Info available at newprioritiesnetwork.org. As to future events, chapter participation was urged for: the June 25 SAT Gay Pride March (volunteers should call Dan); the July 30 Hiroshima Day (with a showing of the Shadyack documentary movie, I Am, as proposed by Lynn and Ron on July 29 (Nona will check on Pax Cristi collaboration); and the Historical-Hysterical Parade (Dan will check with Lisa Law, whose float we used last time, and also with the city). Ken reported that a national activist coalition plans a major protest demonstration at the Freedom Plaza near the White House on the anniversary of the US attack on Afghanistan, October 6. He proposed a similar event on the plaza in Santa Fe, where we could again use our sound system. Ken proposed that at our July meeting we take steps to resurrect the chapter’s most notable activity, Full Disclosure. Bob G and Lynn said they would cooperate in getting the program mentioned in the SFPS info packet that comes out before school starts, and then seek to line up school venues and chapter speakers for the VFP presentations. Barbara raised the question of a possible roadblock from the new state education secretary. Bob G and Bob S presented our VFP letter to The New Mexican and Journal SF, urging publication of US war dead names as released by the Pentagon, and photo gallery coverage of New Mexicans killed. Both papers ran extensive features marking Memorial Day and the New Mexican has since run ongoing reports on US military deaths [the latest being on June 16]. Ken said he and Holly Beaumont have been considering seeking support by NM progressives for an organizing/collaborating workshop to promote joint action on such wide-ranging issues as the proposed nuclear pit operation at LANL, the move to privatize the water aquifer in Catron County, the fracking controversy about oil drilling, and the seed sovereignty problem with Monsanto. At Joan’s behest, the meeting attendees formed a circle of support wishing bon voyage to Ken and the mission to Gaza. Meeting ended at 8:20 pm.
Daniel opened meeting at 7:08 pm, with discussion of proposed City Council resolution calling on Congress to oppose future funding of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Bob said Peace Action is amenable to joining in but wants to see resolution text. Nona will check Pax Christi. Lin said that folksinger Jason Moon has cancelled plan for SF Sept performance because of personal problems, but may try again later. Re the screening of Bud Ryan's DVD The Forgotten Bomb, Daniel said he will check with CCA for a date. He cited timing it with the Mayers-Beaumont workshop to mobilize a people's movement for liberal goals. Bob suggested aligning it with Hiroshima Day. On future events, Daniel proposed placing Memorial Day flowers on Joan Duffy's grave at the National Cemetery. Barbara will check with the Railyard on a possible July 4 event. Daniel will check with Pat Leahan of Las Vegas on maybe our joining their event, which we overlooked last time. He will also check into the Hysterical-Historical Parade and the Gay Pride march, which we did last year. Chapter members are urged to write personal letters to Gaza residents in advance of the flotilla sailing in late June. Address is Letters to Gaza, 119 W. 72nd St. #158, New York NY 10023. More info at ustogaza.org. Bob S displayed SF VFP Chapter letters to publishers of the ABQ Journal and the SF New Mexican, prepared with Bob Gaines's help. The letters urge continual publicizing of names, ages, ranks, home towns of US war dead in Iraq and Afghanistan, as newly released by the Pentagon, and also publishing a photo gallery from time to time of New Mexico soldiers dying there. Veterans present signed the letters after the meeting and VFP associates were asked to write their own letters, all to be timed with a day soon for a VFP delegation to go to the SF newspaper offices for personal presentation of the letter. Chapter members will be alerted in advance to attend if their schedules permit. Nona, Joan and Barbara proposed a summer social get-together with other VFP groups from Albuquerque, Taos, Las Vegas and elsewhere. Daniel will e-mail the Albuquerque VFP leader on possible arrangements. Barbara noted that the state has opened a Veteran Business Outreach Center in Albuquerque to help vets start or expand businesses. More info at www.nmvboc.org. [A free business workshop for veterans is set for 8 am-noon on June 1 at SF Community College.] Lin said Wisconsin has a similar center already flourishing and she will provide info on it to whomever interested. Bob told of a letter received from the Helping The Homeless Association, inviting a VFP member to attend a June 2 meeting in Santa Fe on how veterans can assist fellow veterans. Daniel said he will see if he can attend. Bob said New Mexicans Rethinking Afghanistan is currently in stasis, seeking younger leadership. Its Google Group set up by Bob G continues in operation. Meeting ended at 7:50 pm.
Notes by Bob Stearns
VFP Chapter Meeting Minutes April 20, 2011
Present: Ken, Daniel, Bob G, Bob J, Anna May, Joan, Nona, Eduardo, Erica, Marjorie, Bob S, and June and Ron
Meeting opened at 7 pm, with discussion on Proposed City Council Resolution calling on US government and Obama to bring our war dollars home now. Hartford Conn has just approved it. To garner support, Ken will contact Craig Barnes group, Marjorie to People for Peace, Bob S to Peace Action, Nona to Pax Christi. Bob J suggested pushing for Council action in August.
Ken asked chapter officers to stay after meeting to sign a VFP corporate resolution required by our account holder, First National Bank.
Ken updated the situation re US boat to Gaza. He and Linda Durham are the Santa Feans going. Ann Wright will be the other VFP representative. Chosen boat is undergoing sea trials. Expect flotilla of ships with departure date in late May. Chapter has received numerous contributions in support. Ken will be gone 29 April to 13 May.
Bud Ryan and colleague are asking VFP to set up showings of their DVD documentary “The Forgotten Bomb.” Eduardo has copies. June suggested Link TV and Current TV.
Erica said the GI Rights Hotline will hold national convention in Albuquerque May 19-22. For info, contact Maria Santelli, mjs1126@hotmail.com.
Ken and Holly Beaumont propose a summer workshop to promote organizing and collaborating by like-minded entities with liberal goals, especially getting money out of politics and curbing corporate power. Aim is to train the trainers for a people’s movement. Tentative date for workshop is late summer or early fall. Bob J volunteered to take the lead for VFP. Erica, Nona and Joan will help.
Bob J and Dan said the Jason Moon performance is set for 10 September.
Discussion ensued on of reviving the chapter’s Full Disclosure program, begun 2003, the most constructive chapter initiative yet. Nona proposed sending VFP letter to schools again. Dan cited its success at the Tutorial School. Erica suggested encouraging members to contact school people they know and urge setting up a VFP program, school by school. June, a former school counselor, suggested bringing the issue to state and national conventions of school counselors and principals.
The chapter has ample Full Disclosure materials.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm.
Bob Stearns, Secretary
VFP Chapter Meeting Minutes March 16, 2011
Present: Ken, Daniel, Bob G, Bob J, Anna May, Nona, Lin, Eduardo, Barbara, Bob S
Bob S outlined plans for the 3/18 screening of the film “Rethink Afghanistan” with public forum and discussion, for organizing a local coalition to work toward ending US military action there. Posters have been put up, as per Barbara’s tip sheet, and calendar items are appearing in the media. Barbara will put one up at the Interfaith Shelter.
Ken reported details of the 3/19 civil disobedience action against the Afghan war to be held at the White House, and another on 3/20 at Quantico Marine base in support of Bradley Manning. He will be there. He also brought the chapter’s new large VFP banner, copies of which will be displayed at both locations. Bob S suggested asking Ken to speak on his experiences at a Santa Fe event. Bob G will follow through. Barbara proposed that VFP members write letters for better Manning treatment, as was done with Amnesty International in SF. Bob G will forward her instruction sheet to chapter membership.
Ken proposed that we apply for another RESIST grant, which runs up to $4K, and requested ideas for grant projects. When Ken left, Bob G took over the meeting.
Discussion ensued on the chapter events calendar: Memorial Day- Bob J will check into this Veterans Day, FRI- Dan will get speaker Hiroshima Day-Nona will check Historical/Hysterical Parade- Dan will seek VFP invitation State Fair Pzarade Barbara suggested using Facebook for publicizing. Bob G urged members to relay further ideas to Ken.
Lin asked consideration of our sponsoring a fundraiser by Iraq veteran Jason Moon, singer-songwriter. Bob J volunteered to arrange a Santa Fe venue. Barbara and Nona will help. 9/3 SAT is proposed date. Moon gives all ticket sales and half of his CD sales to sponsor org. Raffle of artist donations is also done. Lin also provided pamphlets on the Vets Journey Home project. Bob G will put one up at the All Faiths Homeless Shelter in SF. Barbara said that Jeff George of NM veterans department gives outstanding help to veterans seeking benefits.
Bob Stearns, Secretary
VFP Chapter Meeting Minutes February 16, 2011
Present: Bob Gaines, Ken Mayers, Barbara Conroy, Anna Daly, Joan , Daniel Craig, Bob Stearns, Bob Josephs, Nona Gregg
1. Election of officers - Ken Mayers, president; Norm Budow, vice-president; Bob Stearns, secretary; Bob Gaines, treasurer. Daniel Craig and Bob Josephs, delegates
2. Corporate resolution - A resolution certifying that these are the new officers was approved (as required by the brokerage account used for accepting donations of stock).
3. Legislation - Maryland has approved an opt-in for allowing recruiters to get contact info on high school students. Nona and Daniel will sound out other groups (ABQ VFP?) about working together to get a sponsor for the 2013 session. Ken had a letter for a city resolution prepared by Jean Athey of Peace Action Montgomery (Maryland) - Barbara will follow up on one for Santa Fe.
4. Peace Walk - April 18 to 25. Nevada Desert Experience Sacred Peace Walk to witness against nuclear weapons (Nevada Test Site) and drones (Creech Air Force base) and to share in multi-faith and desert spirituality.
5. DC action March 19 - Chapter agreed to match a donation for air fare plus $100 bail for up to 3 persons, for a total chapter contribution of $750.
6. Treasurer - Ken (retiring treasurer) reports that we have $4,344.77 in the bank (some dedicated to certain programs, such as $415 for Full Disclosure), plus about $300 in the cash box, and about $3,000 worth of equipment. Ken will turn over files, etc. to Bob G. (Bob Gaines and Eduardo Krasilovski have the mail box keys)
7. New Mexicans Re-Thinking Afghanistan - March 18 7:30 pm film at Unitarian church: "Rethink Afghanistan". Tabling: Barbara, Joan, Norm, Bob J (if in town). Nona will contact Pax Christi, Daniel will contact Mary Charlotte. Publicize to churches.
8. Renew telethon - A success! About 24 renewals. Chapter has about 90-100 members who are current.
9. Full Disclosure - Still looking for a coordinator.
10. New banner - Chapter agreed to buy it from VFP for $130.
11. Helen Corneli - Joan will organize an appreciation luncheon in April for Helen.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Gaines, retiring secretary
VFP Chapter Meeting
Minutes
15 December 2010
Present: Dan Craig, Nona Gregg , Marjorie Young , Bob Stearns , Erica Kay (with Justice and Jayden)
Dan brought up three proposals for chapter action, suggested by Bob G and Bob S in communication with Ken: (1) to launch a systematic campaign by chapter members to place letters and op-ed pieces in the press on issues vital to VFP. Bob volunteered to work with volunteers on this. 2) to persuade the New Mexican and Journal Santa Fe to routinely publish the names, ranks,ages, home towns of the latest US military killed in the wars. 3) to seek an appropriate time when the wars are prominent in the news for holding a VFP public forum on the issue, with an area Member of Congress among the speakers (Bingaman being a leading possibility since he is talking about perhaps not running again) .The meeting attendees were supportive. Bob suggested we try to get contacted with at least one anti-war activist at each of the area churches and major union and citizen action groups for broadening the forum sponsorship. Nona said the Pax Christi memorial event in March, involving the reading aloud of the names of the war dead, military and civilian, may be an appropriate time for the forum. Marjorie said the proposed closing of satellite VA clinics in northern NM is a possible letter-writing topic for VFP.
Dan said the next chapter meeting is THU Jan 13 for potluck at Ken’s house in Eldorado. Members will also mount a phone list telethon to renew chapter memberships. He announced that chapter elections would be held on that day for president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary and delegates at large. Dan said he has to decline running again for president but that Ken is interested. Also for consideration on 1/13 will be Ken’s suggestion that we follow San Diego’s lead in getting SFPS to adopt a strong policy on regulating recruiting in the schools. Erica cited one city where its VFP chapter buys an ad in the high school yearbooks to offset other ads from the military on recruiting. She said she will seek a copy of their ad for our consideration.
Dan suggested that the chapter again buy a $250 ad in the state National Dance Institute magazine (20,000 readers) highlighting VFP activities, timed for its May 2011 program. Members present supported the idea.
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm. Notes by Bob Stearns
VFP Chapter Meeting
Minutes
15 September 2010
Peace Day, SAT 9/18, VFP will
have table. Volunteers needed to help officiate from 10 am to 5 pm.
Full Disclosure Update – planning
meeting has been held, with eight attending. Daniel will be contact with school
people. He will so advise FD activists by e-mail. Letter to be sent to school
people to contact Daniel for planning FD events. Other ideas: contact SFPS superintendent
to ease getting into schools (Daniel and Ken plan to do this); meet with school
counselors; urge members with individual school contacts to arrange events at
that particular school; speak about FD at PTAs; pass out flyers at school
registration time, urging students to opt out of recruiting events. Ken, Norm
and Nona will seek state legislative passage of law requiring that students opt
in to recruiting events rather than be automatically included (Ken will get
info on existing Maryland law). Erica and Ken stressed that relationship with
ROTC is better when respectful rather than hostile, and has impelled some ROTC
students to go into peace studies.
Veterans Day- Norm went to the
recent planning meeting, 4th year we’ve been invited to attend.
VFP National Convention, Portland
Maine (where VFP was founded) – Ken said 370 attended, including 37 Iraq and
Afghan vets; 3 younger vets are running for national board; check national VFP
website for event coverage; featured speaker Chris Hedges was extremely
pessimistic about outlook for change, but Paul Stookey of Peter Paul and Mary led
the convention goers in restoring optimism. Major theme was importance of
building coalitions with other like-minded entities for peace, locally and
nationally. VFP will take part in the SAT Oct 2 One Nation Working Together
rally in Washington DC, calling for cutback in military spending in order to
fund social priorities here at home.
Pax Christi- Nona cited the
upcoming March event at Santa Maria De La Paz church, when again the names
ofwar dead will be read aloud.
Vigil Against Drones at Creech
Air Base –Father John Dear, Kathy Kelly and a dozen others were arrested.
Protest against School for Americas at Ft. Benning GA will occur weekend before
Thanksgiving. Ken plans to attend, urges other chapter members to consider
going.
Public Forum, “What About Our War
In Afghanistan???”, FRI Sep 17 at Unitarian Church, Santa Fe – sponsored by
Social Justice Committee of the Unitarians, People for Peace, Peace Action NM,
and VFP, with speakers knowledgeable about the issues and Q&A to follow.
Bob said Journal Santa Fe ran brief story on event today, press calendar items
mention the event and posters are up all around town.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Stearns
VFP Chapter Meeting
Minutes
18 August 2010
1.Matt Padilla, Military Legislative
Assistant to Senator Udall - Matt, who is an Albuquerque native and former Navy
officer, asked for our comments to relay to the Senator, and we asked him about
the Senator's positions on several issues, such as the "War Is Making You
Poor Act" introduced in the House.Udall has reservations about Karzai and is considering whether to
continue his support for the Administration's policy on Afghanistan (he is not
apparently feeling any pressure from the Administration to stay in line, but
there aren't many other senators who seem ready to drop their support).He and Mark Udall introduced a bill
requiring the DOD to emphasize energy conservation, which he thinks would help
limit the international footprint of the military, but there was not much
support in the senate.It was a
substantive and friendly discussion.Matt invited inquiries or comments:
<matthew_padilla@tomudall.senate.gov>, 202-224-6621.
2. Veterans Day - Norm
will represent the chapter at the City's planning meetings; Bob G. will be his
backup.
3.Ann Wright
event - Although the audience was smaller than hoped, Ann said that more money
was raised than at any of her events in Texas, including Dallas and Houston. (The money will go to hiring an American
ship to carry relief supplies to Gaza.)
4.Cost of War
billboard - Bob J., Nona, and Barbara will investigate possibility of
petitioning to put a billboard in front of City Hall.
5. Full Disclosure - No
coordinator yet to replace Nathaniel who leaves in three days.Nathaniel will leave all his material
with Ken.Erica Kay will meet with
Dean, Daniel, and Joan to consider what to do if we can't find a new
coordinator.Laura Woollven is
interested in supporting FD, and Lisa Potkin can help with one event per
semester.
Announcements:
"What About the War
in Afghanistan?" - 7 pm September 17 at the Unitarian Universalist
Congregation; retired COL Ed Rowe and a law professor; chapter will co-sponsor.
"Dry Land" - September
3 at the De Vargas.
SOA at Ft Benning, GA,
weekend before Thanksgiving.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Gaines
Secretary
VFP Chapter Meeting Minutes 21 July 2010
1. Full Disclosure - No report and no coordinator yet to replace Nathaniel.
2. Potluck for Ken Stewart and Nathaniel Mahlberg - Daniel will check with Ken and Nathaniel whether August 8 or 14 is best, and send an announcement to the list.
3. Ann Wright - Wednesday, July 28, 7 to 9 pm at James A. Little Theater. $10 donation. Mary Charlotte's 25 minute interview with Ann and Ken Mayers will air on Monday between 8 and 9 am. Ken and Linda Dunham will handle introduction of Ann and Q&A after Ann's talk.
Ken will invite co-sponsors to table. Ken will arrange for tables and start setup at 6:15. Bob Josephs, Dean, Joan, Nona will set up VFP table at 6:30. Ken will bring "How's the War Economy Working for You?" and the chapter banners; George will provide a peace flag.
Collecting Donations - Barbara and Joan will stand at aisles on either side of auditorium with a sign and donation jars. Joan will make the signs. Bob Gaines will be backup for Barbara and Joan. All donations at event go to support Ann's speaking tour; the venue cost of $375 has been covered by a separate donation.
4. Native American scholarships - This month the chapter awarded 4 scholarships, 3 were for $750; about $500 is left for future scholarships. Over the last 5 years the chapter has awarded $23,250 in scholarships to Native Americans with a commitment to peace-making.
5. Treasurer's report - We have about $3,400 in unrestricted funds; about $800 more is for Full Disclosure and about $500 is for scholarships.
Announcements:
Think Outside the Bomb - Meeting at downtown library Monday evening, July 26, 5 to 7 pm. Organizers expect 300 to attend an encampment near Los Alamos from July 30th-August 9th, with a day of action at Los Alamos on August 6.
Restrepo - "One platoon, one valley, one year." At the Lensic on Friday, July 30, 7 pm. $15. Post show interview with the director.
Pax Christi - -- Evening lecture with Bishop Gabino Zavala, president of Pax Christi USA and auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles, on July 30, 7:30 p.m. at El Museo Cultural. Annual Sackcloth and Ashes Peace Vigil in Los Alamos on July 31. Gather at 2:00 by Ashley Pond.
The "Good Soldier," which featured VFP members and aired on Bill Moyer's Journal, has been nominated for an Emmy.
VFP Convention in Portland, ME, the 25th Anniversary of VFP at the founding chapter - 25-29 August. Chris Hedges will be speaker.
SOA at Ft Benning, GA, weekend before Thanksgiving.
VFP Chapter Meeting Minutes June 16, 2010
Present: Daniel, Ken, Anna May, Erica, Bob, Shannon, Nona, Joan, Marjorie,
Dean, Nathaniel, Sean
Daniel said that Pat Leahan has invited VFP to take part in the Las Vegas
Fiesta Parade SAT July 3. He also said the SF Institute recently presented a
program on Terrorism.
Guest Sean Peterson made a presentation on Impact Personal Safety, a program
that offers training in violence avoidance and personal defense. Can give a
motivational speech or a free one-hour demonstration. Seeking volunteers. Info
at impactpersonalsafety.org and 860-655-7200.
Ken noted that Bill Christison’s memorial service is at 2 pm FRI at Rivera
Funeral Home.
Daniel said he will seek to reserve a table or space for VFP at the Roundhouse
for the January 60-day legislative session, Ken urged support for a bill like
one passed in Maryland that stops info on high schoolers from being sent to m
ilitary recruiters, Bob proposed support again for the bill to establish a
state Office of Peace.
Daniel proposed a VFP potluck for Ken Stewart and Nathaniel Mahlberg. Date was
set for Aug 15.
Erica said she has moved to Alcalde from Seattle, where she was liaison for
Peace Action and active in helping war resisters and service people seeking to
get out.
Ken said PeaceAction will hold another Think Outside the Bomb 10-day
encampment at Chimayo Jul 30-Aug 9, with youth involved from around the nation.
Will practice sustainable living, train for non-violent action, commemorate
Hiroshima. Eric has visited the site.
Daniel said the Gay Pride Parade is set for 26 June. VFP plans a table and a
banner reading “Repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.”
Daniel and Ken said retired Col. Ann Wright will speak in SF again July 28 on
the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, of which she was a part. A coalition of peace groups
is seeking a major venue such as the Little Theater at the deaf school. Aim is
to raise funds for a U.S. ship sailing to Gaza.
Daniel said we should plan for Veterans Day, perhaps panel discussion with
David Barsamian and Dar Jamahl.
Possible VFP involvement was discussed for the State Fair Parade in
Albuquerque, the Jemez Springs July 4thParade, and the Madrid
Parade.
Ken said a new national e-mail list for chapter business has begun.
Mentioned is proposal to increase dues, now $25, to a new level of $40. Getting
us out of Iraq and Afghanistan remains the overriding VFP issue. Under
discussion is a proposal to buy Cindy Sheehan’s property outside the GWB ranch
at Crawford for establishing a VFP retreat center
Meeting adjourned
Notes by Bob Stearns
VFP Chapter Meeting
Minutes
28 April 2010
1. Free Gaza Movement
fund raiser - the board agreed to be a co-sponsor prior to the chapter meeting
in order to be on the flyer.
2. Full Disclosure -
Nathaniel reported that Warehouse 21 and Micah Shaw, ABQ IVAW have recorded a
radio program (not yet broadcast).FD had a table at the Capital High Career Fair on March 19.The organizers resisted having FD, but
teacher Mike Costello insisted.Showed "Purple Heart" and displayed 3 panels of Tim's
Iraq/Afghan memorial.Students
took most of the materials.
Nathaniel will leave in
August to start at Union Theological Seminary in NYC.Adam Kokesh said that if not otherwise engaged, he will
consider active involvement in FD but would not coordinate it.Tracey Harmon will speak about Iraq on
May 19, and she may be willing to coordinate.Send suggestions for coordinator to Daniel.
3. Operation Free - Chuck
Tyler (vet) is NM organizer and described the program, which promotes green
energy and makes the connection between US wars and our dependence on oil from
unstable places.He will provide a
video to the chapter.He asks us
to write Congress.Daniel will
connect him with KSFR.
4. Agent Orange - Ken
reported on his trip to Vietnam with 5 vets, paid for by VAVA.They visited 2 VAVA chapters a day and
met AO victims (there are 3 million victims and the government provides only a
$20/month benefit to vets and their children).Ken brought $650, which will be used to build a house in the
name of Joan Duffy ($155 more had been donated by the time he returned to
US).The US vets are drafting a
bill to aid VN victims with help from an aide to John Conyers.
5. PTSD (no notes?)
6. Community Day, May 15
- Ken, Joan, Norm, Daniel will table.
7. Thirsty Ear, June 12
and 13 - $150 for a table; Ken Joan, Daniel will table with ABQ VFP.
8. Ortiz y Pino - He
would like to talk with the chapter (not campaign); Daniel will contact him.
9. Dept of Veteran
Affairs - Table at their September workshop?
Announcements:
NPT Review - the eighth
UN Review Conference on the NPT will be from May 3-28, 2010, to assess the
treaty's implementation.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Gaines, Secretary
VFP Chapter Meeting Minutes 24 February 2010
1. March Forth - Ken was absent and no report or action was taken
2. AJVSF events: March 28 and April 10 - We agreed to cosponsor.
3. Dahr Jamail speaking - No report
4. Interfaith Community Shelter commitment - Paige Grant sent word that most chapter members volunteered for April 5. (Update: April 5 was inadvertently scheduled for another group and there are no more nights available before the shelter closes at the end of April.)
5. Full Disclosure - No report We confirmed the agreement to pay Nathaniel a $200/mo stipend to manage FD out of the $3000 grant. (The chapter agreed to this last November, but it was not recorded in the November minutes.)
6. Donation to KSFR - We agreed to send either $10 per month or $100, whichever was easier for Ken.
7. Fall event - Daniel reported that Michael Pollon would not be available. Eduardo will explore ways of connecting the cost of war to local concerns, food, and the economy.
Announcements - Pax Christi will have a vigil on March 19 and 20 at Santa Maria de la Paz.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Gaines, Secretary --
VFP Chapter Meeting Minutes 18 November 2009
1. Winter Homeless Shelter - Paige Grant will organize chapter volunteers for at least one day during the weeks of April 4th, 18th or 25th (all earlier dates are already covered, although we might be asked to fill in if another group falls short of volunteers).
2. Screening "The Good Soldier" Dec 5 at CCA - Daniel will coordinate with CCA and arrange for flyers and PR. Students get free admission.
3. Fund-raiser for IVAW - the ABQ IVAW chapter is hosting a national training for IVAW organizers in the Southwest in late January, and they need funding for it. Nathaniel will get more information to help us see how we can help them. We need to help the ABQ chapter because they are assisting with Full Disclosure and Another Side.
4. Another Side funds request - Another Side had $3,000 when it shut down. Nathaniel's request for the money to use for Full Disclosure was successful. Tim is working on getting "Alternatives" (the yellow booklet) onto a CD and Ken will put it on the chapter website.
5. Ad in NDI program - We will have a $250 ad focused on Full Disclosure.
6. Book signing opportunity for Richard Becker's Palestine book - Daniel will discuss our possible involvement with the Christisons.
Announcements - Ken will give a talk to Another Jewish Voice on January 17 at Warehouse 21.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Gaines, Secretary
VFP Board of Delegates Meeting Minutes 27 October 2009
Present: Daniel Craig, President, Norm Budrow, Vice
President, Ken Mayers, Treasurer, Robert Gaines, Secretary, Barbara Conroy, at
large Delegate, and Bob Josephs, at large Delegate.
Daniel Craig convened the meeting at 2:20 pm.A quorum was present.
Daniel Craig made a motion that Robert Gaines and Daniel
Craig be added as signers on the organization's checking account.
Robert Gaines seconded the motion.
Daniel Craig,
Norm Budrow, Ken Mayers, Bob Gaines, Secretary, Barbara Conroy, and Bob Josephs
voted in favor.None opposed.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned
at 2:25 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert Gaines, Secretary
VFP Chapter Meeting Minutes 16 September 2009
1. VFP & assisting feeding homeless in Santa Fe - Barbara Belding, chapter member and Interfaith Community Shelter Group board member presented an update on the group's plans for a winter shelter to open on November 1. More info at http://www.interfaithsheltersf.org/default.html
2. Veteran’s Day Parade update - Daniel reported that Carla Lopez, city staff person organizing the city parade welcomes our input. The first planning meeting will be 1:30 - 2:30 on September 24, at the Counselors' Conference Room at the city offices. Daniel and Norm will represent the chapter. We agreed to recommend that the parade be on November 11 rather than on the previous Sunday.
3. VFP & Dinner for homeless veterans on Veteran’s Day - Ray Masterson, who is a chapter member and Shelter Group board member, has suggested this event. One possibility would be a lunch after the parade at the new shelter, perhaps catered by the Pantry (which provided a delicious lunch for the Doing Democracy event for only $1 per person). Daniel will propose to Carla and Ray. Bob will assist in planning.
4. Skype update - Ken reported that Skype gave our number to another person, claiming they had notified us that our subscription had expired. After complaining to Skype without success, Ken has arranged for a new number. Bob will bring our stock of business cards with the old number to the next chapter meeting and we will decide then whether to order new ones or write the new number on them (we still have about 950 cards; Bob reported that we have gotten only two calls since we acquired the Skype number last year).
5. KSFR fund drive volunteering by VFP - Daniel will propose Sep 25 or 28 to KSFR and post a call for volunteers on the email list. Ken will contact Diego to schedule one of the 5 for Truth presenters during the pledge drive.
6. Habitat For Humanity update - Ken reported 8 have signed up. He will organize a tour of the Habitat office, Restore, and a construction site for those considering volunteering. He will mail a call for volunteers to those who don't use email.
7. “Five For Truth” 10 October 2009 update - The UU social justice committee is a co-sponsor, so we won't have to pay for the use of the UU facility. SF Rape Crisis Center, ACLU, NM Conference of Churches have agreed to be co-sponsors of the session related to their interests and will table. The Quaker Meeting will be asked to co-sponsor the nonviolence session. Collected Works will provide the books. Daniel will check whether CW can provide an employee to also handle sales. Will Covert and a UNM crew will film the sessions. Cindy Sheehan can't come, so Daniel has arranged with Mateo Peixinho to speak on nuclear disarmament and conversion of facilities. Ken is arranging for flyers and distribution. The next meeting of the planning committee will be at Ken's house at 2 pm, September 27. We still need accommodations for 4 of the presenters.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Gaines, Secretary
VFP Chapter Meeting Minutes July 15, 2009
1. Report on Pride march on June 27 – About 5 members marched with Chapter banner. Tabled 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, 4 female signups for VFP. 2. Report on Torture Awareness Events 27-28 June – About 25 at Saturday showing of “Taxi to the Dark Side.” CCA collected admission and will deduct their costs from the receipts and bill us if they are short; no bill yet from CCA. About 50 attended the Sunday community forum, and there were strong messages on torture read by representatives of Udall and Lujan (Bingaman sent a message later). It was very well organized by Holly Beaumont of the NM Conference of Churches and there were many positive comments. The main speaker, Dr. Charlie Clements, who worked for AFSC in Central America in the 80s, suggested afterwards to Ken that VFP should organize a commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Romero next March 24, and honor Ed Asner, who was very active then on Central America and is a member of the LA VFP. Charlie suggested doing it at the Cathedral Basilica. Ken has begun working on the arrangements. VFP collected about $265 in donations at the two events; our costs were $140 to rent the UUC hall and $400 for Charlie's airfare. 3. Report on status of VFP Build-it Project with Habitat For Humanity – Ken and Daniel sending surveys via snail mail and email to all members to set up a work schedule. Habitat is very well organized to use people with all kinds of skills (or none). Larger groups usually get good media coverage. Tina has worked with Habitat in LA and will help with PR. 4. Discussion of a job description for VFP "Public Relations" coordinator – We need a PR coordinator to do media relations and event planning. That person does not necessarily have to attend chapter meetings, but then we also would need a person to act as liaison between the chapter and the coordinator. Ken will bring last year's reorganization forms to the next meeting. Tina and Nona will bring a proposal for discussion. 5. Planning for a party for VFP – Daniel suggests September 13. Tina will check on locations for a potluck BBQ. 6. Veterans Day Event with Rape Crisis Center – Daniel will contact the Rape Crisis Center for more info. Daniel favors having Dahr Jamail speak; Ken will contact him about a date around November 8 to 11. 7. Veteran's Day parade arrangements – Daniel will verify the day of the city parade and confirm that we are invited. 8. Financial assistance for Nathaniel's travel to NNOMY conference July 17-19 (national truth in recruiting movement) – The board authorized paying for Nathaniel's air fare; he will pay the remaining conference costs and give us a report on the conference. 9. Update on Coalition to Stop $30 Billion to Israel billboards – The Coalition proposed a compromise on the content after the original billboards were taken down, but still no agreement between the national billboard company and the Coalition. The Coalition, which is “radically democratic,” is divided over whether to compromise further. 10. “Occupied” is a multimedia performance about the ongoing occupation of Afghanistan, Iraq, and American minds, July 25 at 8:30 pm – Joan Kennedy will table, Norm Budow may be able to help. Joan could use more helpers. 11. Horses for Heroes – We are interested in seeing whether we can work with this program for injured vets. Bob will invite Gus Jolley to the next chapter meeting to answer questions. 12. Additional Items * Tina needs local contacts to arrange for broadcasting “Winter Soldier in Japan” which will be in 4 Japanese cities September 15 to 23. * Tewa Women United benefit is July 31. * Ken will get more info for next meeting on a possible state-sponsored Crisis Response Team for Santa Fe. * We agreed it was too late to organize tabling at Sustainable Santa Fe. Respectfully submitted, Bob Gaines, Acting Secretary
VFP Chapter Meeting Minutes June 17, 2009
1. Maggie Monroe-Cassel from Habitat For Humanity re: VFP Build-it Project - Groups can sponsor a day building a house (we get some of the publicity). Requires $250 donation and a minimum of 10 persons (might be just 8) for at least 4 hours, and preferably 8 hours. Ken will organize the recruiting for a group; could do it for a vet if one has a house being built. (Individuals and smaller groups can work on any day w/o being a sponsor.)
2. VFP/PFLAG-Letter to President Obama re: Don't Ask-Don't Tell policy - Ken will ask Michael McGarrity (who made the suggestion) to write the letter. Pride march on June 27; we'll march with PFLAG; Ken will bring the banner.
3. Native American Scholarship Program - Lucy Moore organized the program for aspiring students interested in working for peace within their communities. Eleven $1,000 scholarships awarded since 2006. VFP committee (Lucy, Ken, Daniel) evaluates applications, so far all Navajo. Daniel will meet with Tewa Women about extending to pueblos.
4. Full Disclosure Update - Presentation at Espanola went very well. Two mid-20s IVAW vets from ABQ with compelling stories (and the Marine sniper had lots of tattoos) really connected with the students. First time to include the AFSC's Eyes Wide Open exhibit (38 pairs of boots representing NM soldiers killed in Iraq and 4 more pairs for Afghanistan, plus a pair of white boots representing suicides). The Marine, who had a 70% disability for TBI and PTSD, pointed out that he had served with one of the NM dead. During the last presentation of the day, the teacher placed a pair of boots on each student's desk...students were staring at the tag on the boots with the name and age of the soldier.
5. Torture Awareness Event planning for weekend of 27-28 June - Ken is working with Holly Beaumont of NM Conference of Churches. CCA will show "Taxi to the Dark Side" on Saturday, June 27 at 8:15 PM. Nona, Anna, Dean, and Eduardo (maybe) will table. Also, Community Gathering on Sunday June 28 at 7 PM; Charlie Clements will be main speaker.
6. Discussion of a VFP "Public Relations" coordinator - Daniel will develop a job description.
7. Planning a party for VFP - Maybe in July or August. Daniel will send email asking for volunteers to plan.
8. Veterans Day Event-pos. invite to Dahr Jamail as speaker - No decision on invitation to Jamail. The Vet Center suggested that the SF Rape Crisis Center contact us about co-sponsoring a Veterans Day event with them and other vet organizations - we will get more information and report at the next chapter meeting. Daniel will check with Mayor Coss that we will be invited to march in the Veteran's Day parade.
9. Additional Items
Barbara attended VFP Peace Day in Taos - very well organized, good presentations, but not well attended. The VFP chapter worked closely with Peace House.
Ken - No progress on the "rapid response team" to work with EMTs.
Nona - Pax Christi is sponsoring Witness for Peace (Jody Williams and Mairead Macguire) on July 31 and a Peace Vigil at Los Alamos on August 1.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Gaines Acting Secretary
Minutes 4/15/09 Joan Duffy Chapter, Veterans for Peace
Following introductions and a brief recap of the last meeting, business items included:
*Report on Doing Democracy - About 45 participants, quite a diverse group, very well received, "too little time allotted." Received $650, about $400 in expenses for handouts and graphics. Excellent food from the Pantry at $1 per person (we added 15% as a thanks); Pantry willing to supply food for future events.
*Report on Volunteering at KSFR during fund drive - Started too late to find a time VFP members could do it together, but several members went individually. KSFR supports us (Ken and Barbara were on to promote Doing Democracy) so we need to support them. Start early for the fall fund drive to get a time for us to do it together.
*Report on co-sponsoring Ziad Abbas with Another Jewish Voice, Santa Fe - Although we had tentatively agreed (after finding out more about AJV) to co-sponsor at the March meeting, several members subsequently indicated they were reluctant to get involved with an event that appeared to be taking sides in the Israeli-Palestinian situation. Since our preferred practice is to act by consensus, Bob notified AJV that we wouldn't co-sponsor but would announce the event through our email list.
*Full Disclosure report - Nathaniel, Alex, Tim, and Bob were at the March career fair at Capital HS; students from many schools; Alex and Tim were great with students and teachers who stopped by, although clearly the marines had the most popular table. Tim had a good talk with one of the marine recruiters who had served two tours in Iraq and said that getting help with PTSD is being stressed when troops rotate back to the states. Espanola HS on April 23 and Penasco likely April 29. Meeting on the 22nd to discuss restructuring due to Maria's impending move.
*Sponsorship of Coalition to Stop $30B to Israel (http://www.stop30billion.com/index) - We agreed to sponsor and contribute $100 for the billboards. Ken will find out whether a larger donation is indicated.
*Donation to the Assistance Dogs of the West - Good article in April 14 New Mexican. Project Known Quantity raises funds for assistance dogs for vets (dogs cost $15,000 to 20,000 to train); requested donation is $300. Ken offered to match a $150 donation from the chapter. We agreed. Barbara and Ken will get more info on how we can help the project.
*Participate in Taos VFP Peace Day, May 29 - Barbara will get more info and post to list. Bob may take Eyes Wide Open NM boots (which now includes a pair of white boots to represent veteran suicides along with a "War Within" sign describing the extent of suicides).
*Table at Community Days May 16 - Post to list a call for volunteers to table.
*Table at Festival of Sharing at de Vargas Park June 28 - Ken will table.
*Announcements:
Cindy Sheehan event - Anna and Nona will table. Interfaith Homeless Shelter - Cooks need for April 25
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Gaines Acting Secretary
Minutes 2/18/09 Joan Duffy Chapter, Veterans for Peace
Bob Gaines, Moderator and President
Following introductions and a brief recap of the last meeting, business items included:
Doing Democracy Ken Mayers introduced the April 4th workshop and asked for input from members present. Ken will be facilitating the 4 hour workshop on a non-violent social change model with participant interaction to understand its roles and stages. We will request a small donation, have a mid-March deadline for registration, provide a luncheon (either furnished by another organization or by our members), and have a table for registration/vfp info/uu social justice committee information. An information letter will be sent to peace, justice and activist organizations urging them to notify their membership. The team working on logistics includes: Barbara Conroy (planning and promotion), Anna Daly/Daniel Craig (flyer distribution/KSFR/Reporter), Norm (info table), Bob Gaines (set up/take down), Nona Gregg.
Coalition to Bring the Guard Home Norm Budow and Daniel Craig attended the Press Conference in the Rotunda. NM action is connected with the national movement and may now be affected by economic downturn.
Senate Bill 464 establishing guidelines for recruitment on High School campuses across NM--will have its first committee hearing in Senate Education Committee on Monday, February 23, at 8am.
Depleted Uranium Several contacts from Jai Spidel have solicited our assistance with bringing speakers on the depleted uranium issue to Santa Fe. Members present were interested in the DU issue but concluded that we don’t have sufficient confidence in the speaker proposed to agree to assist.
VFP Visibility Daniel Craig proposed that the chapter insert a paid advertisement in the annual program of the National Dance Institute which has a full year of distribution at events throughout the state. The audience is youth oriented and the decision was made to use full disclosure wording and buy a ¼ page ad, using $200 from the Full Disclosure grant. Daniel will follow through with the help of Dave White on layout.
Chapter Elections Nominations for new officers were solicited by Bob Gaines. Nominations: President: Daniel Craig; Vice President: Norm Budow; Treasurer: Ken Mayers. Additional nominations for these offices and for Secretary to be sought by Bob Gaines from membership. The election of officers will be held at the March chapter meeting. (Daniel Craig, Barbara Conroy, Bob Josephs, and Eduardo Krasilovsky were elected to 3 year terms as Delegates at Large at the February 6, 2008 meeting, so no election for delegates is needed this year.)
Announcements: 1. The Cathedral will host all veterans at a dinner event February 24th. 2. Veterans Day at the Roundhouse will be February 27th sponsored by the NM Office of Veterans Affairs. Norm will contact them and see if we can get a table. 3. Pax Christi is having an event on February 20th at Santa Maria de la Paz.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Conroy February 19, 2009 (Additional material added by Bob Gaines)
Minutes 1/21/09
Joan Duffy Chapter, Veterans for Peace
Bob Gaines, Moderator and President
Following introductions and a brief recap of the last meeting (November, 2008), business items included:
"Democracy Game": Tentative date is April 4, 10 to noon and 1 to 3 PM, at the Unitarian Church. Ken wants to have about 40 persons, probably extending invitations through peace groups (invite ABQ Peace and Justice also?). Barbara is working on logistics. Anna, Daniel, Norm, and Nona will also help.
Coalition for Bringing the Guard Home: This NM legislative effort does not have a bill on the floor yet. It follows action in a previous session advocating the state's need for the guard. Ken Mayers, Dave White and Eduardo K. indicated an interest in working on this.
Full Disclosure: The team visited Charter School #37 recently. Nathaniel Mahlberg was joined by Alex Smith and Tim White, who attended the last meeting for the first time. A successful day-long event with good teacher support. Many of the teachers who have been supportive of the program have now left the school system so new contacts are needed. Upcoming schedule includes Espanola, Penasco, Los Alamos.
Gaza Children Benefit: VFP Chapter is co-sponsoring this event organized by Joe Mowrey. Barbara Conroy and Norm Budow will table. Eduardo raised the question of whether it is appropriate to sponsor this event.
Veterans/PTSD: Virginia Miller attended the meeting and reported on the Office of Peace legislation she is working on (sponsor: Ortiz y Pino) and on her new efforts to assure that vets with PTSD are reached and treated. She will be doing a presentation asking for DOP funding to the Legislative Finance Council. She asked for help with background information.
President Bob Gaines called for nominations for officers. Terms for present officers end in February.
Barbara Conroy announced that the Sun News in collaboration with the Vet Center and Lou Helwig, Director of Field Operations, will be featuring a regular column on veterans benefits.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Conroy Additional items by Bob Gaines
Minutes 11/19/08 Joan Duffy Chapter, Veterans for Peace
Bob Gaines, Moderator and President
Following introductions and a brief recap of the last meeting, business items included:
Full Disclosure: Bob reported for Nathaniel (who is out of town) that the recent presentation at Capital went very well. Alex Smith is an Iraq vet who joined the team for the presentation. He said several folks came up to him after to tell him the presentation changed their minds about joining the military. We've been invited to present at CS 37 and YouthWorks. Two new people attending this month's VFP meeting, Dick Cooper and Tim White, are both interested in working with the Full Disclosure program.
Legislative Priority Areas: Looking ahead at the legislative dockets (national and state) we discussed briefly the effort to bring the National Guard home and mandating trauma counseling for ptsd vets and torture. Bob reported on being included in the NM Conference of Churches meeting with the Congressional staffers of Udall and Bingaman on the issue of torture. Barbara Conroy will keep an eye out for the 2009 state legislative session.
Anna Daly offered a contact with the editor of the Sun News who is a very interested advocate for awareness of veteran's benefits. This could be a program we offer the public and maybe collaborate with Sun News. Dick Cooper indicated he would be interested in working with Barbara Conroy and Anna on the issue of sexual abuse of women in the service.
Programming: Discussion on what the chapter could do to bring increased energy into the new year and greater involvement brought forward the following for consideration: 1. The chapter sponsoring an event of the Democracy Game offering it to members of other peace, civic and activist groups and maybe the general public. This would capitalize on the results of the election and heightened interest and optimism of the country. Ken Mayers has the materials. Barbara could help with administration and promotion. 2. A general chapter membership meeting could list all activities and those who are interested could self select the committees they are interested in. 3. An event offering a panel of resource people to inform vets, their families and the public about the needs to be met and the benefits available.
Middle East Peace and Justice Alliance (in Albuquerque) invited us to their organizational meeting November 15. Kathy Christison sent a report on the meeting which was posted to the VFP discussion list. MEPJA will meet again January 10th. No decision was taken on whether the chapter should join MEPJA's effort, and members are encouraged to offer their comments.
Meetings: Bob suggested that due to the holiday, we will not have a December meeting.
Announcements: 1. Tim Origer is working on further strategies for Chris LaVone who was sentenced to 4½ years. Restorative Justice is one possibility according to Dave White, who sees Chris at the county jail. 2. The chapter needs new officers and leadership. Nominations are sought now and elections will be held in February.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Conroy November 24, 2008 (Additional material added by Bob Gaines)
Minutes 10/15/08 Joan Duffy Chapter, Veterans for Peace
Bob Gaines, Moderator and President
Following introductions and a brief recap of the last meeting, business items included:
Plaza Event: Bob Gaines, Kip Corneli and Daniel Craig met with Carla Lopez, Mayor Coss's assistant, to request consistency in the rules and fees for plaza events. Bob provided a follow up letter with information requested by Ms. Lopez and he will check back with Ms. Lopez on the city's response.
Veterans Day: Plaza is not available but we are invited to be in the Sunday (11/9) parade at 10 am from Murales Road down Bishops Lodge Road through the Plaza to the Vets Memorial. Bob G. will get the flags and banner and Barbara Conroy will take the remaining flowers from our last event.
Middle East Peace and Justice Alliance (in Albuquerque) has invited us to an organizational meeting on November 15th.
Art Work Project: Dave White remains active on this project described earlier and will meet with Bill Stewart. We need to host a cocktail party to draw potential buyers. There was some skepticism on our ability to launch serious efforts, make relevant contacts and know the current market. Kip Corneli has drawn back from this effort.
Full Disclosure: Two veterans (from Iraq and Gulf War) are interested in being involved. Nathaniel Mahlberg spoke recently at a League of Women Voters meeting.
Torture: Anti-torture legislation supported by Bingaman and Udall was vetoed by Bush last March. Kip Corneli and Bob Gaines will meet with Luhan (candidate for District 3 Representative) to ask him to support this issue in 2009.
Meetings: Bob raised for review our decision to move to one 1½ hour meeting a month and he asked how this was working out. For those who want more contact, informal meeting should be possible and facilitated. Norm suggested that we have a telephone tree for emergency or time sensitive information or alerts for those that do not have/use email. Bob will send a call out to solicit a member who would like to organize a telephone tree.
Announcements: 1. Chris LaVone was sentenced on 10/14 to an unusually harsh 4 ½ years. The mitigating evidence (first offender, acceptance of responsibility, early attempts to reach out to victim's family, years of treatment for PTSD, valuable member of the community) and proposal for alternatives to incarceration, including a restorative justice process, carried little weight with the judge. We agreed to collaborate with Tim Origer in working on assistance for combat vets who commit offenses, including perhaps legislation in NM similar to Minnesota's requiring mandatory trauma therapy for those convicted, and possibly a request for clemency for Chris. 2. The current officers' term ends in February, and the chapter will elect new officers at our February meeting. Nominations should be sent to the secretary, Helen Corneli, by mid-January.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Conroy (additional material by Bob Gaines) October 22, 2008
Minutes 9/17/08 Joan Duffy Chapter, Veterans for Peace
Ken Mayers chaired the meeting.
Following introductions business was suspended and those present engaged in some sections of the Democracy Game that Ken presented to the national VFP at their recent convention. We shared our experience with social and organizational change and how our roles in those changes played out.
Meeting closed at 9:45 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Conroy
Minutes 8/20/08 Joan Duffy Chapter, Veterans for Peace
Bob Gaines, Moderator
Following introductions and a brief recap of the last meeting, business items included:
Art Donation: Kip Corneli and Dave White reported that an artist, Diane G. Rolnick, was interested in making a donation to our chapter. Dave volunteered to talk with Ms. Rolnick to clarify what was expected of us. 8-25 update from Dave: "Our involvement is very simple. She wants us to agree to accept 1/2 of the proceeds from the sale, she appears very firm on the $25k figure for the piece, the sale should be pre-arranged, no cocktail parties, absolutely no auctions or gallery involvement, and we need "high end" money people to endorse the piece. Also, on this piece, no involvement with other organizations (PFLAG, etc.). Lastly, she specified that the funds must go to a program that directly benefits the members of the military and/or veterans, so not the scholarship program."
Publicity and Promotion Resource Kit: Ken Mayers suggested and the group agreed to make widely available to those groups that are interested. Barbara Conroy will send a notice to the membership listserve that the kit is available on request.
No Attack on Iran ad in New Mexican: Barbara described an ad organized by Marvin Van Dilla of the Unitarian Church for early September. Chapter will endorse and members are also encouraged to endorse as individuals.
Labor Day at the Capitol: Maurice Martin has been involved in the planning for this event sponsored by NAACP. Daniel Craig is making a presentation. Barbara Conroy will attempt to recruit members to table there. It will be held in Franklin Park this year.
National VFP Communications: Ann Daly inquired about the distribution of information by the national office. Most is by email and that eliminates those without it. We need to find a way of sending our information and national's to our members without email.
Veterans Day, November 11: Last year we marched in the parade and carried banners. Bob and Daniel are meeting with the Mayor on August 28 about our cost for using the Plaza, and Bob will ask that we be included in the parade again this year. Santa Fe Community College has requested a speaker from our chapter on Veterans Day. 8-24 update: Bob has asked Tina Garnanez, an Iraq vet, to contact SFCC about speaking there.
Fresh Approach – The teams are to identify a specific legislative vehicle for each of our issues and ask candidates to commit to co-sponsor and vote for that legislation in the next Congress. The teams should also seek allies in the peace movement willing to join us in meeting with the candidates.
Teams reporting progress: 1) Veterans Benefits – Group met: Kelly Smith, Jerry Bober, Barbara Conroy, Maurice Martin and Norm Budow and discussed Maurice’s upcoming visit to the Congressional delegation. The major issues from that meeting that he will focus on were: homeless vets and their needs, vet center outreach centers and the ability to register vet voters in hospitals. Jerry will be the contact person, Barbara will talk to Kelly about meeting space. 2) Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty – Ken Mayers reported five pieces of legislation introduced in Congress and Udall has not sponsored any of them. 3) Reducing the military budget/Demilitarization - Ken could not find any legislation. 4) Torture – Team has identified HR 4114 the American Anti-Torture Act, a bill introduced last November with 80 co-sponsors including Udall. The bill's language was incorporated into the Intelligence Authorization bill which Bush then vetoed in March. The veto override failed and the provision that made the Army field manual on interrogation the uniform standard for all interrogation was removed so that Bush would sign it. Kip Corneli, Norm Budow, and Bob Gaines.
Each team will schedule a meeting with the candidates or their staff to ask for a commitment to co-sponsor and vote for the legislation if elected. We will focus is on Udall and Luhan.
Everyone is encouraged to ask candidates about our issues in meetings and events, and to write letters to the editor. The Dark Side, a new book by Jane Mayer, was cited as a good source on the administration's embrace of torture.
Doing Democracy: Ken briefly introduced a board game which could help us plan effective strategies for change. We agreed to put it on the September meeting agenda.
Announcements: Santa Fe Community TV has contacted us to speak about VFP.
Respectfully submitted, Barbara Conroy Additional material by Bob Gaines August 24, 2008
-- Bob Gaines gaines@comcast.net 52 Estambre Road Santa Fe, NM 87508 505-466-1746 (voice and fax)
"Dissent is the highest form of patriotism."
-Howard Zinn
Minutes 7/16/08 Joan Duffy Chapter, Veterans for Peace
Bob Gaines, Moderator
Following the introductions and a brief recap of the last meeting, reports of the active teams included:
Website Team – Ken Mayers reported that meeting agendas and minutes are now on the VFP website (www.vfpsantafe.com). He and Jerry Bober will be upgrading the website and Jerry will be subsequently responsible for postings.
Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) visit to New Mexico has been canceled.
Free Bus Rides on Election Day – Maurice Martin requested and received support for a letter from the chapter to the Mayor and City Council member for Trails connections at polling places and free bus service November 4th.
Labor Day at the Capitol – VFP has characteristically been part of this effort to promote voter registration. Daniel Craig will be asked to speak for the chapter. It will be held in Franklin Park this year.
Petition for Gulf War vet Chris LaVone -- Members are encouraged to support his petition to the court for PTSD treatment instead of serving time in jail. Ken Mayers will circulate to membership through email.
Fresh Approach – Bob Gaines introduced our next step in connecting actively with candidates and allies in the peace movement on specific legislation relevant to veterans’ interests. It is essential that we identify appropriate legislative vehicles by the August 20 chapter meeting so we can schedule visits with Congressional candidates in September or October. We will ask candidates to commit to co-sponsor and vote for those specific legislative vehicles in the next Congress.
Issues Teams reported progress: 1) Veterans Benefits – GI Bill passed and signed. Group yet to meet: Kelly Smith, Jerry Bober, Barbara Conroy, Maurice Martin and Eduardo Kraslovski. They will identify legislation on VA funding, treatment for mental health, and DU testing. 2) Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty/Nuclear Non-Proliferation – Ken Mayers reported: identified good sources of information. HR1025 brings “sense of the house” that money for nukes should be significantly reduced and reallocated. Nunn-Lugar program to safeguard disarmament. 3) Reducing the military budget/demilitarization - Ken is still working on it 4) Torture – legislation introduced (by J. Nadler) that no agency or contractor may use other than what is allowed by the Army Field Manual. The language was included in the Intelligence Authorization Bill passed by the House and Senate but vetoed by Bush then was and dropped from the final bill. Udall was a co-sponsor of the original anti-torture bill, and the language will undoubtedly be included in a bill in the next Congress, so it should be easy to get commitments from Udall and Luhan. Kip Corneli, Norm Budow, and Bob Gaines.
Working with allied groups on common interests is a significant part of our effort:
Other vet organizations such as VFW and American Legion - Norm and Kelly, no report Other N.M. VFP chapters are a natural - Ken has contacted them. Amnesty International, especially on torture; using their delegation visitation with follow-up letters model is wise - Dave and Barbara will contact Pax Christi especially on test ban treaty - Ken will contact Peace committees of churches, such as those allied for Mother's Day Peace Rally and possibly the NM Conference of Churches. Maurice Martin and Ken will talk to Holly Beaumont. Bud Ryan is assembling a coalition of state-wide peace groups, probably meeting September 6 at the Albuquerque Peace and Justice Center - good opportunity to find allies Albuquerque Peace and Justice Center has Steering Committee (PAJOLA) and are forming a plan of action on nuclear disarmament issue.
Announcements: Iraq/Afghanistan Memorial Installation was at Angel Fire for 4 days over 4th of July. The Memorial has been completely updated and is current to within a few months. Tim and Joe may offer the Memorial to IVAW to use when they visit posts to talk to active duty service people; Tim and Joe would continue to maintain the Memorial.
Tina Garnanez joined the chapter. She is an Iraq vet and IVAW member, interested in our Full Disclosure project and starting a IVAW chapter in Santa Fe.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Conroy July 17, 2008 (additional material by Bob Gaines)
-- Bob Gaines gaines@comcast.net 52 Estambre Road Santa Fe, NM 87508 505-466-1746 (voice and fax)
"Dissent is the highest form of patriotism."
-Howard Zinn
Minutes 6/18/08
Joan Duffy Chapter, Veterans for Peace
Bob Gaines, Moderator REPORTS
Full Disclosure (Eduardo) - Charter 37 visit went well. Zellie’s photos of Iraq moved the students. We hope to repeat visits to schools already visited as well as new ones. We need to find cooperative teachers, and we must do careful advance planning.
Memorial Day (Kip, Barbara) - There was good attendance to the event, with a number of conversations and donations. Barbara wrote thank you notes to the clergy involved. Some non-members joined the march to the cemetery. Flowers were put upon graves of Joan Duffy and Jim McCabe. “Body of War” at CCA drew a good crowd of about 70; donations were gratefully received (the distributor charged $500 for film, so the amount the chapter received is not yet clear). Thanks to Dave White for his invaluable help in arranging these participators. The city charged us $375 for the Memorial Day permit, although we had not been charged in the past, and Bob Gaines will work on arranging a meeting with Mayor Coss to get agreement on permit fees in the future.
Eduardo spoke of the large attendance at the annual Santa Fe Reporter's block party he attended, held each June, and suggested such events would be a good place to table.
Approved Ken's request for up to $650 to buy a dedicated laptop computer for the treasurer. Ken pointed out that he is often out of town, and asked to have an assistant treasurer appointed who could be trained to take over from him soon and also to stand in for him when he is away. Bob asked for volunteers.
FRESH APPROACH
The teams researching our priority issues for the “fresh approach” (contact a team member if you want to work on their issue):
Needs of NM veterans (VA funding, mental health, benefits, DU testing, Webb GI Bill if it fails this year) - Kelly, Eduardo, Maurice, Barbara, Jerry Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty - Ken, Kip and Norm Torture -- Kip and Norm Recalling NM National guard - Dave (after July 15) Reducing the military budget/demilitarization - Ken
Commitments to contact potential allies:
Other vet organizations - Norm, Kelly Amnesty - Dave Pax Christi, other VFP chapters - Ken People for Peace - Barbara
Other ideas: Homeless veterans: go directly to the Congressional candidates or County Commissioners where appropriate
Announcements:
IVAW will be in Albuquerque and Las Vegas August 5 to 7; contact Ken The June 28 Pride on the Plaza invites veteran participation in the parade at 12 noon Maurice is working with the Santa Fe Obama organization. Maurice suggests we try to get the city to declare election day as “Free bus rides day.” He also suggested considering a ‘stand down’.
Respectfully,
H. Corneli, Secy pro-tem (additional notes by Bob Gaines)
Minutes 5/7/08
Joan Duffy Chapter, VFP
Bob Gaines, Moderator
Bud Ryan, Coordinator of local Pax Christi and VFP member, announced that Pax Christi is presenting an all day program “Becoming People of Peace” at Santa Maria de la Paz Church on May 17 as their first annual Assembly Day. It involves many local Peace and Justice groups. VFP (Jerry Bober) will be showing Arlington West film. Bud also presented a letter to President Bush urging nuclear disarmament from a hibakusha (survivor of Hiroshima) which has been circulated to all state governors where substantial nuclear presence exists. Individuals are urged to also forward the letter with their own comments to President Bush.
Reports from in-action Teams:
Publicity Team – met and has begun compiling a Publicity and Promotion Resource Kit which can be used with events, issues and projects. Various members are assembling key information which will then be available to any event team to support their dissemination of information into the community. The scope will be Santa Fe, Espanola, Taos and, to some extent, Albuquerque. The kit lists media and venue alternatives with contact information and deadlines as well as “how to” tips for writing press releases, advertisements and stories. Its first “test” will be Memorial Day. The Team also suggested that we develop a list of chapter members who have expertise and could serve as speakers, such as full disclosure, etc. The team is composed of Anna Daly, Kelly Smith, Barbara Conroy, Norm Budow, Joan Kennedy and Nathaniel Mahlberg.
Full Disclosure Team – visited Los Alamos High School April 17-18 for a total of 10 hours class time which included dialog, debate and film. Nathaniel coordinated the effort with Tim Origer, Maria Santelli, Eduardo Krasilovski, Matt Bambara, Ken Mayers, and Bob Gaines. Nathaniel reported three effects: students gave serious reconsideration to their views, this needed conversation took place and encouragement of what can be done. Letters were received from one of the classes. Next: Capital High (1 class). Reporter will write an article.
Memorial Day: Barbara Conroy reported on the Event Team headed by Kip Corneli. This is one of our four major events this year and will be Monday, May 26th on the Plaza. Coordinated with these events is the Memorial Installation (i.e. banners), Eyes Wide Open, and "Body of War" showing at CCA as a benefit for the chapter. From member suggestions last meeting, the details of the day on the Plaza include tabling starting at 11:00 am with informational materials, 300 tagged flowers distributed to those on the Plaza looking at the memorial installation. At 2:00 interfaith speakers will give brief homilies and at 3:00 VFP members and others will proceed to go to the National Cemetery. In the evening tabling will be done at CCA in conjunction with the film.
Mother’s Day will be Sunday, May 11th on the Plaza Bob Gaines reported. VFP involvement will involve tabling and membership recruitment. Memorial installation and Eyes Wide Open will be significant components of the day along with presenters, flowers and music.
Santa Fe Vet Center held a free seminar and resource networking event 4/23/08. Kelly Smith and Barbara Conroy attended and commented on the quality of the program and the extent of the networking with veterans organizations and agencies. The focus was on the reintegration and pastoral care of soldiers and families. Monthly events are held by the Center and Kelly and Barbara will attend those to extend VFP networking connections.
Dave White suggested that we sponsor an event for veterans, families and friends that will help them address the issue of reintegration.
Barbara Conroy will write an appreciation letter to Congressman Udall thanking him for urging the resignation/firing of an incompetent administrator at the Office of Veterans Affairs.
Norm Budow will frame a letter to the editor thanking Willem Malden of Cloud Cliff for his hospitality to VFP following the Friday demonstrations.
A Fresh Approach – another way of working was re-introduced by Bob Gaines from the last meeting. The membership has concurred that we need to focus on getting commitments from candidates in this key election year for specific policies and actions relevant to veterans. Rather than waiting until November, we need to move now when the candidates are most open to constituents (i.e. vulnerable).
We would benefit from collaborating with other peace groups and being clear on what we ask for. Perhaps we could have pairs of VFP members involved with other peace groups to share information and join in action and connections. Bud Ryan reported that he was setting up a meeting to look at this prospect, perhaps within the month. Barbara suggested that the VFP members who were part of the recent Bird-dogging workshop could be key resource people since they have learned how to engage candidates in public settings. She will talk to those involved in the training and bring suggestions to the next meeting.
We again discussed issues we could best focus on: ending our involvement/participation in the Iraq war, the GI bill, adequate rehabilitation and reintegration of returning veterans, calling for state legislation in the treatment of veterans, truth in recruiting as legislation at the state level, restructuring the military to emphasize the kind of training and equipment for military action now rather than the expensive and wasteful expenditures built to enhance contractor profits, follow up on the state inventory of PTSD vets, focus on the economics of war with alternatives to the military approach, reorienting LANL by changing the mission and focusing on alternative energy development.
The meeting ended at 9:00
Respectfully,
Barbara Conroy (with additional notes from Bob Gaines)
